Bottom Line

Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast area at all elevations. Isolated hard wind slabs in near treeline and above treeline terrain represent an unlikely, but not impossible avalanche problem. Look for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Isolated hard wind slabs could exist on NW-N-NE aspects in near treeline and above treeline terrain. Last weeks NE/E wind event has scoured most slopes near treeline and above and has created very dense and strong hard wind slabs. Where these hard wind slabs sit on top of old near surface facets, snowpack tests have shown weakness with this combination. This avalanche problem has become unlikely to occur, but concern still exists on unsupported slopes and steep complex terrain.

Any avalanche involving this problem could have large consequences with our low snowpack conditions. Look for slopes with smooth, wind sculpted surfaces, and avoid areas with any type of hollow sounding snow.

-Widespread firm, wind scoured snow surfaces found on most near and above treeline terrain.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS

weather summary

Strong high pressure continues with dry conditions, valley inversions, clear skies, and warm days. High temperatures will be in the upper 40's at the higher elevations with light winds throughout most of the week.

Weather observations from along the Sierra Crest between 8200 ft. and 8800 ft.

Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS

For 7000 ft. to 8000 ft.

Monday

Monday Night

Tuesday

Weather:

Mostly sunny

Clear

Sunny

Temperatures:

46 to 51 deg. F.

25 to 35 deg. F.

46 to 51 deg. F.

Mid Slope Winds:

Wind Speed:

Light winds

Light winds

Light winds

Expected snowfall:

0

0

0

For 8000 ft. to 9000 ft.

Monday

Monday Night

Tuesday

Weather:

Mostly sunny

Clear

Sunny

Temperatures:

44 to 49 deg. F.

29 to 37 deg. F.

44 to 49 deg. F.

Ridge Top Winds:

Wind Speed:

Light winds

Light winds

Light winds

Expected snowfall:

0

0

0

Disclaimer

This avalanche advisory is provided through a partnership between the Tahoe National Forest and the Sierra Avalanche Center. This advisory covers the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass on the north and Ebbetts Pass on the south. Click here for a map of the forecast area. This advisory applies only to backcountry areas outside established ski area boundaries. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This advisory expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted. The information in this advisory is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.

For a recorded version of the Avalanche Advisory call (530) 587-3558 x258

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This website is owned and maintained by the non-profit arm of the Sierra Avalanche Center. Some of the content is updated by the USDA avalanche forecasters including the forecasts and some observational data. The USDA is not responsible for any advertising, fund-raising events/information, or sponsorship information, or other content not related to the forecasts and the data pertaining to the forecasts.